Cited city facts
Key facts for visiting Iguazú
275 individual cascades spanning 2.7 km
The Iguazu Falls system is nearly three times wider than Niagara Falls, with the horseshoe-shaped Garganta del Diablo accounting for roughly half the river's total flow
1.5 million cubic meters of water per second during peak flow
Flood-season volumes at Iguazu can exceed fifteen times the normal rate, occasionally submerging the catwalks and closing the park entirely
67,720 hectares of protected Atlantic Forest
Iguazu National Park shelters one of the largest surviving remnants of the Upper Parana Atlantic Forest, a biome that has lost over 90% of its original extent to agriculture
Home to roughly 450 bird species
The park's subtropical canopy harbors toucans, harpy eagles, and the great dusky swift, which nests behind the waterfalls and flies through the cascades daily
Source: tour-guide.com — Free to cite with attribution
Things to see
What are the top attractions in Iguazú?
- Garganta del Diablo at opening time — The Devil's Throat viewpoint before the crowds arrive is a spiritual experience — stand on the platform as mist envelops you and the roar drowns out everything
- Gran Aventura boat ride — A Zodiac inflatable takes you directly under the falls for the kind of drenching that makes you laugh uncontrollably
- San Martín Island — Most visitors skip the free boat to this jungle island, which offers isolated swimming spots and views of the falls from below
- Sunset at the triple border — Watch the sun drop behind Paraguay while standing at the point where three nations meet
- Full moon walks — On select nights around the full moon, the park opens after dark for guided walks to the Devil's Throat, where moonlit mist creates ghostly rainbows
🏛️ Hito Tres Fronteras
Three countries, two rivers, one viewpoint — where Argentina, Brazil, and Paraguay converge
🏞️ Iguazu Falls
Two hundred and seventy-five cascades exploding from the jungle — nature at maximum volume
🏞️ San Martín Island
A jungle island at the foot of the falls — where the crowds vanish and the thunder stays
Guide planning
How much does a tour guide cost in Iguazú?
| Tour Type | Price | Details |
|---|---|---|
| Falls Day Tour (Argentine Side) | AR$50,000-90,000 ($50-90) | With transport |
| Both Sides (2 Days) | AR$100,000-180,000 ($100-180) | Total |
| Jungle & Wildlife Tour | AR$40,000-70,000 ($40-70) | Half day |
| Boat Safari Under Falls | AR$30,000-50,000 ($30-50) | Per person |
Season planner
When is the best time to visit Iguazú?
- You will get soaked — At the Devil's Throat and on the lower circuit, waterfall spray is constant — bring a waterproof bag for electronics and wear quick-dry clothing or a poncho
- Heat and humidity — Subtropical climate means 35°C+ and 80% humidity from October to March
Spring
Mar-May
Summer
Jun-Aug
Autumn
Sep-Nov
Winter
Dec-Feb
On the ground
How do you get around Iguazú?
- Ecological train — Inside the national park, a free ecological train connects the entrance station to the upper circuit, lower circuit, and Devil's Throat trailheads
- Walking trails — Well-marked walking trails link all major viewpoints
- From town to park — From Puerto Iguazú town, taxis and local buses cover the 20 km to the park entrance
- Remise — Private car services can also take you to the Brazilian side, though crossing requires a passport and sometimes a visa
- Plan two days minimum — The Argentine side fills a full day, and the Brazilian side adds wider panoramic views
- Coatis — Coatis patrol the park aggressively — never feed them and guard bags at lunch areas
- Getting here — Puerto Iguazú airport (IGR) has direct flights from Buenos Aires (under 2 hours)
Travel Guides for Iguazú
Best Time to Visit Iguazú picks up where this Iguazú overview leaves off, with room for the practical detail an overview has to skip.
Browse all travel guides →Frequently Asked Questions
What is the best time to visit Iguazú?
March to May and August to October offer the best balance of strong water flow and comfortable weather without extreme heat or humidity. The wet season (October-March) brings the most dramatic water volume but temperatures above 35°C, while the drier winter months (June-August) are cooler with somewhat reduced flow.
How much does a tour guide cost in Iguazú?
Falls Day Tour (Argentine Side): AR$50,000-90,000 ($50-90 with transport). Both Sides (2 Days): AR$100,000-180,000 ($100-180 total). Jungle & Wildlife Tour: AR$40,000-70,000 ($40-70 half day).
How do you get around Iguazú?
Inside the national park, a free ecological train and well-marked walking trails connect all the major circuits and viewpoints. From Puerto Iguazu town, taxis and local buses make the 20-kilometre trip to the park entrance, and remise (private car) services can also take you to the Brazilian side.